Interviewer:
Gurudev, many people have been asking for your number. There have been many issues regarding your phone number in the past—you even threw away a phone because of it. Despite that, YouTube recommendations recently showed many people requesting your number. Among the 15 to 20 daily comments we receive, many are from people wanting your contact information. Could you please address this today?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I can give the number, but people... one shouldn't always do good for everyone. It is one thing if someone calls because they are in genuine distress. But people call regardless of whether they are in trouble or not. If someone is in danger and calls, that is understandable. But some people have reached the point where they call just to ask if they should go to the toilet!
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
If people want my number, I will provide it, but on one condition: do not disturb me unnecessarily. I will hang up immediately. If someone is in real trouble, I have no objection. Many people call me late at night while they are on the way to the hospital or if a child is sick. I answer those calls and guide them.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
So, I am providing it on this condition. YouTube also suggested that I provide a number for communication in case the current one is lost or stolen. People can note it down: 8777-07-1816. I will repeat it: 8 triple 7 (777) 07 18 16. Once more: 8777-07-1816.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is my number. Do not disturb me unnecessarily, or you will hear some harsh words from me. If you want to visit, just come; there is no need to call first. I am usually at the ashram, so you don't need to call to check. Calling just to say you are coming is unnecessary. If you are in real trouble, that's a different story; I will accept that. Otherwise, I won't.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This phone is very important to me, and I don't usually want to give the number out. However, YouTube insisted on having a contact number for emergencies. I am giving it, but do not harass me. Only call if it is absolutely necessary. Also, do not call in the morning. Call after 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
Interviewer:
Let me clarify the timing for everyone. Gurudev arrives here at 10:00 AM. If you have any queries or wish to see him, please come here at 10:00 AM. It is impossible for him to entertain phone calls at that time because there are usually 200 to 250 people waiting. In the morning, Gurudev needs his time at home. He spends most of his time here anyway, so when he is at home, please do not disturb him. If you must call, do so after 8:00 PM, not before.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Or you can call after 5:00 PM, as I am usually here. However, around 6:00 PM, we have music and singing sessions, so I cannot take calls then. If it is very urgent, call around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. I will repeat the number one last time: 8777-07-1816.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Do not call unless it is absolutely necessary. Don't call just to ask, "Gurudev, are you sitting there?" I am here every day. Whoever needs to see me can just come. Do not disturb me with unnecessary calls; I will not tolerate it. I am providing this for the benefit of the people, but if it is misused, I will disconnect the line.
Interviewer:
For the audience, please note: Gurudev is available from Monday to Friday, except on Amavasya, Ekadashi, and Purnima. On those five days, please come after 10:00 AM. Do not come in the afternoon. Gurudev does not hold sessions on Amavasya, Ekadashi, or Purnima. Furthermore, he does not see anyone on Saturdays or Sundays, neither in the morning nor the afternoon. Please keep these rules in mind before calling or visiting. Do not disturb him unnecessarily.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. That is all I ask.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Baba, Pranam.